The Disaster Born's

Chapter Four - Alysia

That was too close for comfort. A Dusk Wraith and a Fire Born—an annoying one at that. But still, a Fire Born. Me, Alysia, meeting a Fire Born. I have to admit, the way he could conjure a flame from his very palm was impressive but other than that he was insufferable.

Stealing, communicating with another bound—I was on a roll tonight, breaking all the rules. I rub the small granules of sand left on my hand for comfort as I walk back, the rough texture grounding me in reality. I am cautious, ensuring I am not being crept up on by a Dusk Wraith. The air is thick with tension, and every rustle of leaves makes my heart race.

I see the glow from the fire where the party is being held. The music is still pounding, a rhythmic thump that echoes through the trees, but everyone is standing at the tree line, waiting for my arrival. I reach them, and I watch Ezra take a deep breath and then sigh with relief for my safety. His shoulders relax, and the worry lines on his forehead smooth out. I see Neve, her eyes widening at my arrival. "Well?" she says, opening her hand and gesturing at me impatiently.

I reach into my pocket and grin, taking out the sand from the solstice. Her mouth falls open with shock as I pour the sand into her free hand. The grains sparkle in the firelight, a tangible proof of my daring. Everyone cheers and applauds, the sound a mix of disbelief and admiration. "But how?" she asks, her face contorted with confusion. I shrug my shoulders and walk past her towards Ezra and Aurora, who hold me tightly as they hug me. Their embrace is warm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the cold fear I felt earlier.

Ezra pulls me closer, kissing my forehead. He then pushes me away, analysing every part of my body, his eyes scanning for any harm. "I am okay, Ezra," I say softly. He forces a smile, "You're lucky to be alive, Aly." I nod my head and force a tilted smile, trying to reassure him.

Ezra's brown eyes felt like home. The way he looked at me and held me, I felt safe with him around. "I saw one, and a Fire Born," I say to Ezra. He widens his eyes, placing his finger over my lips and pulling me behind a few trees away from Aurora and the fire. The shadows here are deeper, and the noise of the party fades into the background.

"Aly, you can't say stuff like that. If someone hears you..." He says, his voice filled with concern for me.

My eyes light up with amusement and excitement. "I saw a Dusk Wraith. I couldn't get a proper look at it, but I felt the chill of death," I say, laughing. The memory sends a shiver down my spine, but I can't help but be thrilled by the encounter.

He stays silent, widening his eyes at my nonchalance. "And don't get me started on the Fire Born," I continue, but before I can say more, Ezra cuts me off. "Did they see you?"

I nod my head and smile. "We spoke. His name is As..." Before I can say any more, he covers my mouth with his hand. Pushing me up against the nearest tree. "You cannot speak of this to anyone, Aly. If they find out you stole, let alone communicated with the other bound, they will kill you."

I frown at him, removing his hand from my mouth. "Well, good job I am only telling you and Aurora," I say, but he stops me again. "No, Aly. Just me."

"No Aurora," he says softly. "I can't risk it."

"Aly, I lo..." Before he can finish, I hear a snap of a twig. I place my hand over his mouth to stop him, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Did you hear that?" I ask him, my voice barely a whisper. Ezra furrows his eyebrows, his face a mask of confusion. Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierces the night air, sending chills down my spine. Ezra's grip on me loosens, and we both turn to look behind the tree. What was once a lively party is now a scene of chaos, infected with Dusk Wraiths—shadowy figures that move with eerie grace.